Mary E. Vanderheydt

Mary Ellen Taylor Vanderheydt, at the age of 91, went to be with our Lord on November 13, 2022. Mary was born on February 8, 1931, in Peoria, Illinois, to parents Roy William Taylor and Gertrude Melva Parker, and was one of 5 children. Mary married the love of her life, Kenneth Eugene Vanderheydt, on February 20, 1949. They had three children, Deborah, Janette, and David. They left Peoria and moved to El Paso, Texas. Later, they bought a farm in Fabens, Texas. Mary loved living on her farm, riding her horse Missy, and taking her grandkids on rides. She loved the outdoors and shooting as much as she loved getting her hair and nails done. She participated in the rodeo every year and would ride with her family in the Sun Country Trail Riders event. Her love for her family was deep. She greatly enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. As a passionate genealogist, she enjoyed teaching others how to research their family history. She made great strides in researching her own family history, taking it back to 1600;s. As an avid SPURS fan, she knew all the player’s stats, and we sometimes think better than the commentators. Her favorite hobby was crocheting. She would sit for hours making blankets and hand warmers for family and friends.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Gertrude Taylor, husband Kenneth Eugene Vanderheydt, daughter Janette Dolan, and son David Kenneth Vanderheydt.

She is survived by her daughter, Deborah Vanderheydt Perez (Mano) of San Antonio, daughter-in-law Kathy Vanderheydt of Huntsville, her brother Don Taylor (Joyce) of Peoria, Illinois, and sister-in-law, Judith Taylor of Peoria, Illinois. Grandchildren are Christina Matthews (Buddy, Chloe, Deborah) of San Antonio, Michael Perez Sr. (Normari, Michael Jr.) of San Antonio, Stacey Frazier of Lufkin, Jennifer Mize (Corey Jordan, Ava, Alyssa), Kimberly Vanderheydt (Bo Lloyd, Riley) of Huntsville, and Emmett Dolan, (Michelle, Brian, Ashley, Emily). She was the matriarch of our family, and all will greatly miss her love and devotion to us.